Police were called to the West Derby Hotel public house on Town Row at around 10.15pm last night.

It is believed that two men, dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas approached the pub and fired a number of shots at the doormen who were outside.

One of the victims a 21-year-old doorman received a wound to his right thigh, the other doorman, aged 22 years, was wounded in his left calf.

Both men were taken to hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.

Detective Inspector Keith Smith, said: "I would urge anyone who has any information about this shooting to come forward immediately.

"The people responsible for this attack on the doormen showed a total disregard for members of the public who may have been walking near to the pub, or even drinking in the pub, and they need to be caught.

"There is no place for violence of this nature on Merseyside and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward so that the people responsible can be arrested, charged and put before the courts.

"The West Derby Village area will have been fairly busy on a Sunday night and I am appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident, or who has information to come forward.

"I am particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the offenders running off in to Croxteth Park from Town Row, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the park following the shooting."

At this early stage of the investigation the motive for the attack is unknown.

The area has been sealed off for forensic examination and CCTV is being examined.

House-to-house enquiries are ongoing and patrols have been stepped up in the area.

Anyone who may have information in relation to the incident is asked to call the Matrix Team on 0151 777 5699, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.